Murder breakthrough after mystery call to cops

A PERSON has come forward with vital information into the murder of a young man last year who was caught up in a dispute over drugs distribution in Sydneys south west and may be linked to other murders in the area.

Police have revealed they have been given new information into the shooting death of Robert Tran on July 2 in Cabramatta by email to Crime stoppers recently.

"We are following strong lines of inquiry relating to the circumstances surrounding Mr Tran's murder, and the information has proven to be credible," said homicide Detective Chief Inspector David Laidlaw.

"Based on the information we've received, we believe the person may have emailed Crime Stoppers on two occasions in September. The information was provided anonymously, and we respect that - we would never risk anyone's safety - but we would love them to contact us, as we believe they can help break the case," Detective Laidlaw said yesterday.

Robert Tran’s white VW Golf GTI was driven from the scene shortly after his murder and abandoned five days later in a Merrylands carpark. Source: NSW Police

About 10.45pm on Saturday 2 July 2016, police and emergency services were called to Jasmine Crescent, Cabramatta, following reports a man had been shot.

On arrival, police from Cabramatta Local Area Command located the body of 24-year-old Robert Tran.

Mr Tran's vehicle, a white VW Golf GTI, was driven from the scene shortly after his murder and inquiries revealed it was abandoned in the car park of a licensed premises on Merrylands Road, Greystanes, about midnight.

The car was found after it was set alight about 4.30am five days later (Thursday 7 July 2016).

Detectives from the State Crime Command's Homicide Squad and Cabramatta Local Area Command established Strike Force Mackane to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr Tran's murder.

"We have established that Mr Tran met up with at least three people in Jasmine Crescent that night, and we believe he knew them," Det Ch Insp Laidlaw said.

"It was a Saturday night, there would have been lots of people out and about in the area - and we know there are people out there who know more than they've told us - now is the time for them to speak up."

Police are urging anyone with information that may assist with Strike Force Mackane investigators to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/

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